India reports nearly 20,000 cases in a day as it ups Covid testing

India is now the fourth worst-hit nation after the United States, Brazil and Russia.

NEW DELHI (Web Desk) – India reported its largest jump of 19,906 Covid-19 (coronavirus) infections Sunday as several states upped testing in efforts to contain the virus. The number of infections countrywide is 528,859, with 16,095 deaths.

India is now the fourth worst-hit nation after the United States, Brazil and Russia.

A total of 231,095 people were tested for Covid-19 on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said - more than double the tests carried out daily a month ago.

Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh governments announced they would further scale up testing over the coming weeks.

Indian cities have emerged as major coronavirus hotspots, with Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai topping the list.

Maharashtra state and its capital Mumbai are among the worst-hit. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced Sunday that a partial lockdown would continue but be gradually eased to enable more economic activity.

Barber shops and salons in the state started opening Sunday with various safety measures in place.

Residents have been requested to keep within a 2-kilometre radius of their homes, a Mumbai police spokesman said. Movement outside this radius is allowed only for commuters and in the case of medical emergencies.

Cases have also spiked in Bengaluru over the past few days. No activities except essential services and supplies would be allowed on Sundays from July 5, the government announced in new directives.

Xinhua reported Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed on Sunday to the countrymen to fight coronavirus and strengthen the nation s economy.

In his monthly address to the nation "Mann Ki Baat" (Talking from the Heart), Modi said that besides the COVID-19 pandemic, many parts of the country have been facing recurring tremors over the past few weeks, while coastal areas faced cyclones which left huge damages to human life and property.

He said the coronavirus had definitely changed the way of life for the whole humanity.

"During the pandemic, the demand for spices including ginger, turmeric and other spices has increased not only in Asia but also in America. The entire world is focused on increasing their immunity at this time, and these immunity enhancing ingredients are linked with our country," he added.

Urging the people to buy locally-made products, the prime minister said no mission can be successfully achieved without people s participation. "When you buy local, become vocal for local you play a role in strengthening the country. This, too, in its own way, is service to one s country," Modi said.